Impact of Probiotic Bacteria on Respiratory Allergy Disorders

Respiratory allergy is a common disease with an increased prevalence worldwide. The effective remedy is still unknown, and a new therapeutic approach is highly desirable. The review elaborates the influence of probiotic bacteria on respiratory allergy prevention and treatment with particular emphasis on the impact of the current methods of their administration – oral and intranasal. The background of the respiratory allergy is complex thus, we focused on the usefulness of probiotics in the alleviation of different allergy factors, in particular involved in pathomechanism, local hypersensitive evidence and the importance of epithelial barrier. In this review, we have shown that (1) probiotic strains may vary in modulatory potential in respiratory allergy, (2) probiotic bacteria are beneficial in oral and intranasal administration, (3) recombinant probiotic bacteria can modulate the course of respiratory allergy

Prepubertal ultra-low-dose estrogen therapy is associated with healthier lipid profile than conventional estrogen replacement for pubertal induction in adolescent girls with Turner syndrome : preliminary results

estrogen replacement (LE) therapy in Turner syndrome (TS) have not been fully investigated to date. The present study aimed to compare glucose and lipids metabolism in adolescents with TS on LE and conventional estrogen replacement (CE). Methods In 14 TS (mean age 13.8), LE ($17\beta$-estradiol, 62.5 $\mu$g daily) was introduced before age 12 (mean age 10.5), and followed by a pubertal induction regimen after age 12, and in 14 CE was started after age 12 (mean 14, SD 1.96). Before, and 3 years after starting $17\beta$-estradiol growth velocity, bone age, BMI, and selected parameters of glucose and lipids metabolism were assessed. Results There were no significant differences between LE and CE in the mean levels of any parameter before introduction of $17\beta$-estradiol [total cholesterol (TC): 4.1 vs 4.3 mmol/L, LDL cholesterol (LDLc): 2.2 vs 2.4 mmol/L, HDL cholesterol (HDLc): 1.6 vs 1.4 mmol/L, triglycerides: 0.9 vs 1.0 mmol/L, fasting glucose: 4.2 vs 4.4 mmol/L, post-load glucose: 4.8 vs 5.5 mmol/L; fasting insulin: 6.8 vs 8.0 post-load insulin: 21.3 vs 67.0 $\mu$IU/mL, HOMAIR 1.3 vs 1.6]. After three years of treatment, TC and LDLc levels were significantly lower in LE group (3.8 vs 4.4 mmol/L, p = 0.004; 1.9 vs 2.4 mmol/L, p = 0.03). The other parameters did not differ significantly. There was no negative impact on growth course and bone age advancement nor on BMI in LE group. Conclusion Prepubertal LE is associated with healthier lipid profile than CE in girls with TS

High incidence of abnormal circadian Bood Pressure profiles in patients on steroid replacement therapy due to Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia without overt hypertension : initial results

that disruptions in the cortisol diurnal rhythm may affect the blood pressure (BP) profile. Aim: To evaluate the circadian BP profiles of patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) on steroid replacement therapy and to compare BP profiles of patients receiving hydrocortisone (HC) in different dosing schedules. Methods: The study included 33 patients: 15 SAI and 18 CAH (mean age 13.2 years 95CI 11.3-15.1). There were no patients with previously diagnosed overt hypertension. Patients with SAI received a mean of 7.39 mg/m2 of HC in 3 daily doses (in the morning (M) 50%, in the afternoon (A) 25%, in the evening (E) 25%), CAH patients 17.9 mg/m2 of HC in the following dosing schedules: 5 patients in 3 equal doses, 7 patients received M: 40% A: 40% E: 20%, the remaining 6 patients had the same dosing schedule as patients with SAI. Fludrocortisone (FC) was given to 13 patients with CAH in 2 equal daily doses. The total dose of HC/FC as well as the dosing schedule of HC was adjusted individually based on clinical and biochemical outcomes. Standard 24-hour BP monitoring (ABPM) was performed using an Ambulatory BP Monitor (Space labs 90217, USA). Results: The majority of the patients (almost 70% SAI, 80% CAH) presented with an abnormal 24-hour BP profile. There were no significant differences in ABPM results between SAI and CAH patients, and no differences between CAH patients treated with and without FC. There was no correlation between HC and FC doses [mg/m2 ] and ABPM results except that mean night SBP values increased with greater HC doses (r=0.51, p<0.05). Among the CAH group the highest percentage of abnormal ABPM results was observed in patients who received HC in doses: M: 50% A: 25% and E: 25%, the most favorable BP profile was observed in patients with dosing schedule: M: 40%, A: 40%, E: 20%. However there were no significant differences between patients with different treatment protocols, the results suggest that observed disruptions of the BP profile could be related to the HC dosing schedule. Conclusions: The incidence of abnormal BP profiles in patients on steroid replacement therapy due to SAI and CAH without overt hypertension is high. The disruptions of the BP profiles are not associated with the dose of HC or FC. The abnormal BP profiles in patients with SAI or CAH may be related to the HC dosing schedule. 24-hour ABPM seems to be a useful, non-invasive and safe method for the monitoring of HC and FC replacement therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Further investigations in the larger groups of patients are needed

Czy leczenie inhibitorami DPP-4 ma wpływ na subpopulacje limfocytów u chorych na cukrzycę typu 2?

Introduction: Dipeptidil peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4) are a group of antihyperglycemic agents. DPP-4 is an enzyme expressed on lymphocyte surface as co-stimulatory molecule in activation processes. The aim was to assess lymphocyte subpopulations initially and after 14 days of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors sitagliptin, saxagliptin and vildagliptin.Material and methods: The study was conducted in three groups 10 subjects each, of type 2 diabetic patients. In subjects studied an initial tests followed by repeated ones after 14 days of treatment with sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and vildagliptin in therapeutic doses were performed. Baseline test as well as lymphocyte subpopulations (total T cells, and T-cell subsets CD4+, CD8+, CD26+, CD45RA+, CD45RO+, CD4+/CD25+) using 7-colour flow cytometry method were performed.Results: In patients receiving sitagliptin no significant increase in lymphocyte subpopulations were observed. In patients who received vildagliptin significant increase of total T-cells (p &lt; 0.05); in patients treated with saxagliptin significant (p &lt; 0.05) though mild increased percentage of total T-cells and CD4+, CD26+, CD45RO+ subsets were found.Conclusions: The study showed mild but significant increase of several T-cell subsets after treatment with saxagliptin and vildagliptin with non significant elevation after treatment with sitagliptin. It seems that changes are not expressed enough to have a clinical impact. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (2): 78–82)Wstęp: Inhibitory dipeptydylo peptydazy 4 (DPP-4) są nową grupą leków hipoglikemizujących. DPP-4 jest enzymem występującym między innymi na powierzchni limfocytów, molekułą ko-stymulującą w procesach aktywacji. Celem niniejszej pracy była ocena subpopulacji limfocytów przed i po 14-dniowym leczeniu inhibitorami DPP-4 sitagliptyną, saxagliptyną i vildagliptyną.Materiał i metody: Badanie przeprowadzono w trzech 10-osobowych grupach pacjentów z cukrzycą typu 2. U badanych wykonano badania wstępne, a następnie badania powtórzono po 14 dniach pobierania sita-, saxa- i vildagliptyny w dawkach terapeutycznych. U badanych wykonano badania podstawowe, a także oznaczono subpopulacje limfocytów (całkowite limfocyty T oraz subpopulacje limfocytów T CD4+, CD8+, CD26+, CD45RA+, CD45RO+, CD4+/CD25+; całkowite limfocyty B i subpopulacja CD26+) metodą 7-kolorowej cytometrii przepływowej.Wyniki: U badanych otrzymujących sitagliptynę nie obserwowano znamiennego wzrostu w zakresie badanych subpopulacji limfocytów. U chorych otrzymujących vildagliptynę obserwowano istotny (p &lt; 0,05), choć niewielki wzrost całkowitej puli limfocytów. Pacjenci otrzymujący saxagliptynę wykazywali istotny (p &lt; 0.05), choć niewielki wzrost odsetka limfocytów T całkowitych, TCD4, CD26+, CD45RO+.Wnioski: Badanie wskazuje na niewielki wzrost puli limfocytów T po zastosowaniu saxagliptyny i vildagliptyny, bez wpływu sitagliptyny. Wydaje się, ze stwierdzane zmiany, mimo że znamienne, są na tyle niewielkie, że nie powinny mieć znaczenia klinicznego. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (2): 78–82

Does excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the development of anxiety disorder?

Introduction Over past decades the number of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders all around the world is constantly increasing. Thank to general awareness and less stigmatization people seek for specialist’s help more willingly. Recently, one of the most common diagnoses has been anxiety disorder and many of them also tend to abuse alcohol. So far, scientists have focused mostly on alcoholism as a consequence of anxiety disorder, due to patients’ predilection to addictions. However, ethanol can also trigger anxiety itself. Aim of the study The aim of this study is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the role of alcohol in anxiety disorder development and its pathomechanisms. Material and methods This article is based on available publications in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases. Conclusions Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to the development of anxiety disorder in some patients, as well as, many other psychiatric disturbances. However, further research must be done to find out precise pathomechanism responsible for those states

Gluten-free diet - opportunities and limitations

Objective&nbsp; The aim of the study was to indicate the difficulties associated with&nbsp;gluten-free diet and the point&nbsp;of its use by people without medical indications. Another important aspect of the article&nbsp;was to analyze the impact of this diet on the course of chronic diseases.&nbsp; Methods&nbsp; For the purposes of writing this article, the available literature was reviewed. Using keywords such as gluten, gluten-free, or diet, the database of medical publications - PubMed was searched.&nbsp; Results: The popularity of the gluten-free diet is growing. The reason for&nbsp;this is&nbsp;increased interest in health lifestyle and nutrition as well as the influence of the mass media. Because of that, the number of people on a gluten-free diet without medical indications is increasing. Following a gluten-free diet is associated with many difficulties. Gluten-free products are much more expensive and less available than their gluten-containing counterparts. It is associated with many obstacles&nbsp;in everyday life. An important aspect is also the imbalance of supplied nutrients and the risk of macro and micronutrient deficiencies, such as magnesium, zinc or selenium, as a result of the gluten-free diet. With the increasing popularity of the gluten-free diet, there are more and more studies on the potential benefits of its use in chronic diseases.&nbsp; Conclusion: A gluten-free diet remains the only therapeutic option in the course of diseases such as celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy. Due to the insufficient amount of data, its use is not recommended in the course of other chronic diseases and in the population of people without medical indications.&nbsp

Impact Of Physical Activity And Health Education On The Development Of Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects the majority of the population. The exact cause of depression is not fully understood, but various factors such as genetics, environmental stressors, and psychological factors are believed to play a role. Due to the complexity of the etiopathogenesis of depression, the selection of appropriate therapeutic management is sometimes complicated. Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressant medication can help alleviate symptoms by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, while psychotherapy can help individuals understand and change negative thoughts and behaviors. Physical activity, such as sport, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and improving mood. Health education can also play a role in preventing and managing depression by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and teaching individuals coping skills to maintain good mental health. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp

Mental health issues during pregnancy - overview of the current knowledge

Depressive disorders of antenatal and postnatal period are diagnostic challenge, as well as increasingly frequent social problem. Incidence of antenatal depression varies from 10% to 16%. Around one third of all postpartum depression cases has its beginning during the antenatal period. From the beginning of 2019, Ministry of Health’s regulations specified for the first time the recommendation to perform screening of depressive symptoms - twice during the pregnancy and once during the perinatal period, defined as the first six weeks after the delivery. Therefore the review of current studies in the subject of mental health issues during pregnancy was conducted in order to establish possible risk factors

The Influence of social media on developing body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders

INTRODUCTION Social media platforms are commonly used worldwide, affecting every-day living of billions of people. It may impacts both self-esteem and self-evaluation of its users. Formed by social influence, the ideal beauty standards lead to an unhealthy comparison, need of external validation and pursuit of ideal appearance. Induced body image dissatisfaction could be the cause of many different eating disorders or rigorous exercises. Promoted by media, ideal body-image creates unhealthy focus on BMI, weight and shape of one’s own body. PURPOSE The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge on the impact of social media on evolving dissatisfaction with body image, followed by eating disorders. METHODS For the purposes of writing this article, the available literature was reviewed. The database of medical publications – PubMed database and publicly available books was searched, using keywords such as social media and body image disorders, eating disorders. RESULTS According to reviewed studies, spending more time on following social media intensifies body image disorders among both young women and men, as a result of negative upward comparison of their external appearance. A problematic social media use, passive and focused on image-related platforms, heightens a risk of developing a self-dissatisfaction and body concerns. Disordered eating behaviors are significantly connected to a frequent use of an image-related social media platforms. CONCLUSIONS Maintaining a healthy relationships with peers and parents protects self-esteem of adolescents and lowers the risk of body-image and eating disorders. A greater focus should be put on educating young people about their value, self-assessment and healthy relations

The impact of physical activity, diet and stress on acne vulgaris. Pathogenesis and therapeutic procedures

Introduction Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease that affects the majority of the population. Concepts on the pathogenesis of this disease have been changing over the years, as evidenced by the current indication of the precedence of inflammatory or immunological processes over disorders of keratinization of the outlets of hair and sebaceous units during the formation of acne lesions. Due to the complexity of the etiopathogenesis of acne vulgaris, the selection of appropriate therapeutic management is sometimes complicated. In addition, the process of treating the disease is multifaceted and time-consuming. Purpose The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the effects of physical activity, diet and stress on acne vulgaris, as well as on the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and the therapeutic management of patients suffering from this disease. Methods Literature was searched in PubMed and Google Scholarship databases. Publicly available books were searched. Results There is a proven precedence of inflammatory or immune processes over disorders of the keratinization of the estuaries of hair and sebaceous units during the formation of acne lesions. Conclusions Specialists should delve into the mechanism of the problem visible on the patient's skin to effectively and permanently cure the disease.